Stuart Smith: Tea Party divorced from reality

Wednesday

Feb 26, 2014 at 3:46 PM

I once read a historian of the modern era describe communism as the tragedy of ideas working free from the reasonable restraint of fact. As I read descriptions of the Tea Party, its ideas and philosophy, I am struck by the notion that one might descr

I once read a historian of the modern era describe communism as the tragedy of ideas working free from the reasonable restraint of fact. As I read descriptions of the Tea Party, its ideas and philosophy, I am struck by the notion that one might describe the Tea Party in just the same way as communism.

I think that one could assume that if they were able to succeed in securing the necessary political power, they would proceed to dismantle many of the federal programs that American citizens have come to rely upon. This would probably include for example Social Security and Medicare.

Most Americans are no longer part of somewhat self-sufficient rural communities, which provided safety and a degree of security in the face of the inevitable crisis we all must face at some point in our lives. In fact, few Americans live in the same community for their whole lives. Most who work are wage-dependent, not independent farmers or artisans.

Our society has changed dramatically over the past 150 years. As a result, governmental institutions have a larger role in our lives. While one may argue about the efficiency of some of these programs, denying their need is the tragedy of ideas working free from the reasonable restraint of facts.